Police identify suspect in slaying of teenager

The 17-year-old accused of fatally shooting a 14-year-old Chaparral High School student earlier this week is Barron Hamm, Las Vegas police said Thursday.

Hamm was listed on police arrest records as facing a charge of murder with a deadly weapon. He is expected to be charged as an adult.

Homicide Sgt. Russell Shoemaker said police suspect Hamm might have been trying to rob people attending a birthday party for 14-year-old Jared Flemming.

Flemming, a high school freshman who was an avid skateboarder, died one day before his 15th birthday. He was shot running away from the gunman at his sister's apartment near Nellis Boulevard and Sahara Avenue, police said.

Although police initially said the shooting had gang ties, Shoemaker said Thursday that does not appear to be the case.

"This shooting is not being categorized as a gang-related shooting," Shoemaker said.

He said the Las Vegas police continue to investigate the shooting.

Tony Flemming, Jared's father, said Hamm needs to receive a stiff punishment.

"I'd like to see justice be served," Flemming said. "It's not right to shoot somebody for no reason. Kids like that are dangerous. That's why Jared is no longer here."

A woman who answered the phone at Hamm's last known address told a reporter not to call back.

Jared Flemming's memorial service will be at 3:30 p.m. Monday at Bunkers Mortuary, 925 Las Vegas Blvd. North.

Anyone with information on the slaying is urged to call the police Homicide Section at 828-3521 or Crime Stoppers at 385-5555.

Contact reporter Antonio Planas at aplanas@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-4638.